Flu vaccinations offered in Riverside County

September 30, 2010 12:00:00 AM PDT

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. --

The flu season is here and health experts are warning Southern Californians to prepare. In Riverside County, free flu shots are being offered beginning Monday, October 4, at all 10 County Family Care Centers.

"The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting this year's flu shot," said Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Eric Frykman.

The walk-in flu clinics will be open from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no cost for the flu vaccines; however, donations are accepted.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates influenza accounts for up to 200,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths in the United States every year. Symptoms of the flu include coughs, fevers, headaches and muscle aches.

A Los Angeles man in his 30s is the first confirmed case of locally acquired flu in Los Angeles County. "This confirmed case marks the beginning of a flu season that can stretch from now until May of next year," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of Los Angeles County Public Health Department.

"Now is an excellent time to get your annual flu vaccine. The earlier you get your seasonal flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected from the flu," said Fielding.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will begin holding free flu vaccine clinics near the end of October for people without insurance or another source of health care.